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Just when you thought you had all of our holiday shopping done, your son brings a date...or a colleague surprises you with a gift. And it's back to the store. But just because you have a little last minute shopping to do, doesn't mean you have to grab anything within reach. There are tons of eco-friendly last-minute gift options out there. Here we offer ways to green three last-minute staples.
Candles
Soy and beeswax candles are the way to go. Made with natural wax, these candles burn clean, and while they cost more than paraffin candles, they burn longer. If it says paraffin (or nothing at all), walk away. Parrafin is a petroleum-based product that releases harmful chemicals like benzene into the air as it burns, and a lot of scented candles are made with synthetic perfumes, which are hard on people with allergies.
Books
It seems there's an eco book for everyone. The fashionista on your list will love Green is the New Black by Tamsin Blanchard. If you're looking for something for someone who travels a lot, pick up Fodor's Green Travel: The World's Best Eco Lodges and Earth-Friendly Hotels. And that friend who treats his car like a baby will appreciate Clean Car Wars: How Honda and Toyota are Winning the Battle of the Eco-Friendly Autos by Yozo Hasegawa.
Ornaments
Christmas tree ornaments make great last-minute gifts because they're relatively safe choices, and let's face it, they're everywhere! But a lot of ornaments are made from plastics and synthetics that aren't so great for the environment. Instead, look for ornaments made with natural materials like wood, or hand-blown or recycled glass ornaments. Try to also look for locally-made ornaments to cut down on your carbon footprint.
No matter what you dash out to get at the last minute this holiday season, eco-friendly options are probably available if you take a moment to ask staff and consider alternatives.
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
Related posts:
Seven Foolproof Last-Minute Green Gifts
How to Go Green: Holidays
Simplify the Holidays: Inexpensive, Creative and Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
TreeHugger Holiday Gift Guide
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